Martine McCutcheon's brutal split as she hints at betrayal from 'mutual friends'

Martine McCutcheon has opened up about her unexpected split from husband Jack McManus, suggesting that the divorce has led to a loss of friends.

The 48-year-old star, known for her role in 'Love Actually', was married to the 40-year old musician for 12 years, and they had been together for five years prior to tying the knot.

Their relationship ended suddenly earlier this year, with Martine asking for support from fans as she and Jack navigated co-parenting their nine year old son, Rafferty.

Since the surprising news, Martine has seemingly lost her zest for socialising, feeling "blah" about it all. However, she recently shared that a close friend encouraged her to go out, resulting in a lively night where they were the last to leave a local bar.

The former EastEnders actress also disclosed that she's experienced fallouts with some friends who took sides post-split. On Instagram, alongside photos showing her enjoying time at a bar with a friend, Martine expressed her gratitude with the caption: "About Last night... My darling friend @samanthajm managed to get me 'Out Out' for first time in months! ! ! ! ! Whoop whoop!"

Martine is brimming with gratitude after a fabulous night out that proved to be an unexpected mood-lifter. "If I'm honest, I was feeling all 'blah' and not into it at all! But she wasn't giving up on me and she was right not to! We had SO much fun! Whoop! Whoop! We were the last ones there (Oh yes! Turns out Martine's still got it! )" she shared enthusiastically, reports the Mirror.

The evening turned out to be more than just fun—it was a reaffirmation of her appeal to fans. "A couple we met, were so lovely too and apparently, have followed my career and my insta for years (Great taste obvs! ) So a massive shout out to them - Thank you for the lovely compliments, care and for making my head swell to the size of Brazil! " said Martine, delighted by their support.

In her confessions, the actress touched upon the bittersweet nature of lost friendships. "And Samantha, you know that any break up after 18 years isn't easy, in fact there are some facets that can feel brutal... Mutual 'friends' have gone silent, or have clearly picked a side, when they were never, even asked to! But I'm so lucky to have you!"

She lavished praise on her steadfast friend: "You are a gracious, fair, loving, thoughtful, friend and you show them all how it's done darling! Thank you for being so wonderful to me and Rafferty and Jack and for taking the time to make me feel seen and heard. It means so much! I love you 'Mate! ' #watchout #shesoutout #greatnight #neededitmorethanithought #greatfriends."

Martine left her fans in shock when she announced her plans to divorce in August, posting online: "After much thought and consideration, Jack has decided it's best for us to separate after 18 years together and I accept his decision. We are both so very blessed and grateful for our beautiful, nine-year-old son Rafferty, who's happiness and welfare has always been, and will continue to be, our number one priority."

She further added: "We both of course, still cherish and look forward to being parents together to our wonderful boy for the rest of our lives. Whilst this decision has evolved over a period of time, we are still finding our new way forward as a family and kindly ask for some privacy at this time... Especially for our little boy."

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